Holden Thorp

Holden Thorp is an American chemist, academic administrator, and scientific editor known for his leadership in higher education and scholarly publishing. He served as the tenth chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and later became the editor-in-chief of the prestigious journal Science. His career has spanned significant roles at Washington University in St. Louis and as provost of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, focusing on interdisciplinary research and academic integrity.

Early life and education

Holden Thorp was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and developed an early interest in science. He pursued his undergraduate studies in chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating with highest honors. For his doctoral work, he attended the California Institute of Technology, where he earned a Ph.D. in chemistry under the mentorship of Harry B. Gray, focusing on bioinorganic chemistry and electron transfer. He subsequently completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University working with Gary Brudvig, further specializing in the chemistry of photosynthesis.

Academic career

Thorp began his independent academic career as a professor of chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he also held an adjunct appointment in the Department of Medicine. His research laboratory gained international recognition for pioneering work in bioelectrochemistry, DNA oxidation, and the development of electronic DNA sensors. His scholarly contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including a Sloan Research Fellowship, a Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, and the American Chemical Society Award in Pure Chemistry. He co-founded several biotechnology startups, including Xanthon, Inc., which commercialized technologies from his lab.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill chancellorship

In 2008, Thorp was appointed as the tenth chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, becoming one of the youngest leaders of a major AAU institution. His tenure was marked by significant initiatives, including the launch of the Innovate Carolina network and the development of the Carolina Covenant program. He navigated the university through the aftermath of the Great Recession and managed complex challenges related to NCAA athletic scandals and debates over academic governance. Thorp resigned the chancellorship in 2013 and was succeeded by Carol Folt.

Editorial roles and scientific publishing

Following his chancellorship, Thorp transitioned to the world of scientific publishing. In 2019, he was appointed as the editor-in-chief of Science, one of the world's most influential scientific journals published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). In this role, he has overseen the journal's editorial direction, championing initiatives on research integrity, open access, and the promotion of interdisciplinary science. He has also been a vocal advocate for addressing issues of diversity and equity in the scientific enterprise.

Later career and leadership positions

Prior to his role at Science, Thorp served as provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at Washington University in St. Louis, where he was also a professor of chemistry and medicine. In this capacity, he led academic planning and faculty development across the university's schools, including the School of Medicine and the McKelvey School of Engineering. He is a member of the National Academy of Inventors and has served on the board of directors for the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina. Thorp continues to be a prominent commentator on issues of science policy, university administration, and the future of academic research.

Category:American chemists Category:American academic administrators Category:Editors of scientific journals Category:University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alumni Category:California Institute of Technology alumni